Namibia trip “changed the way I see the world”
2nd October 26
This summer’s Namibia trip was more than an adventure: it was a “perspective-shifting” experience, according to Sixth Former Dylan P.
For over 20 years, Year 11 students have travelled to Namibia in the summer break. The epic expedition combines community service, conservation and outdoor challenge, creating an experience that many students describe as life-changing.
It is run in partnership between the school and Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA), a charity that works to support sustainable coexistence between local communities and elephants.
The first week of this year’s trip was spent supporting a local primary school, working on various practical improvement projects.
Students restored three boys’ dormitories, repairing damaged walls and repainting buildings. In previous years, students have renovated classrooms, created vegetable gardens and improved sanitation facilities.
“The impact in the school was incredible,” shared Dylan, now in Year 12. “Seeing the buildings before and after, and seeing how happy the children were, was really rewarding.
Alongside their work, students spent time playing football, leading crafts and building meaningful friendships with local children.
“Living here in London, it’s easy to have a sheltered view of life. Meeting the children, seeing where they live and experiencing a completely different environment changed the way I see the world.”
Close bonds were quickly forged, making saying goodbye one of the hardest parts of the trip. “We built such a strong connection with them,” says Dylan. “Leaving was extremely challenging.”
The second week brought a different kind of challenge. Students learnt navigation and trekking skills before completing an independent 25-kilometre expedition across the Namibian desert.
Set against vast mountain landscapes, spectacular sunsets and some of the clearest night skies in the world, the experience pushes students beyond their comfort zones while strengthening friendships and resilience.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Dylan recalls. “The huge rocks, the colours in the sky, the purity of the air… There were so many factors that made it a beautiful trip.”
The Namibia expedition offers students the opportunity to make a genuine difference, develop new perspectives and discover what they are capable of achieving.
The annual trip to Namibia is open to KAS Upper School students in Year 11. Take a look at more photos from this year’s trip in the gallery below.
